BuzzSugar

Buzz News Roundup, 12/3

BuzzSugar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:30:17 PST

Folk music legend Odetta has died at age 77. - AP
Shia LaBeouf will play the title role in the big screen version of John Grisham's upcoming legal thriller The Associate. - Variety
In addition to Reaper, the CW's midseason schedule includes 13: Fear Is Real. - Zap2it
Kanye West edged Guns N' Roses and Taylor Swift for the top spot on the Billboard charts. - Billboard
VH1 has picked up a matchmaking reality series from Drew Barrymore's production company. - Variety
It's possible that Kevin McKidd will star as Thor in Kenneth Branagh's film project. - ComingSoon
John Malkovich and Hugh Laurie will be the final two Saturday Night Live hosts of the year, Malkovich this weekend and Laurie on Dec. 13. - The Futon Critic

9 Ways to Earn Extra Cash When Money Is Tight

Wise Bread — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:51:58 PDT

I'm sure everyone can do with a little more cash in their wallets. Here are some great suggestions by Wise Bread for you to make extra money.

Even though I'm self-employed full-time, I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to make more money.

Earlier this year, I wrote a Wise Bread post on websites that can help you earn extra cash. More recently, I came across a blog post on Zaarly titled, "10 Ways to Make Money Without a Job." After reviewing the latter post, I thought it was time to revisit the topic and let you in on a few more ways to get paid.

The ideas that Zaarly presents are perfect for the unemployed or those who just want to pad their pockets a little more. In addition, there are moonlighting jobs that I do that I thought you should know about. Thus, if you're without a steady paycheck or you just want to build up a rainy-day stash, here are some of your options.

1. Offer Experiences to Strangers

I recently learned about a new site called Vayable, which allows people with specialized knowledge and talents, local info, and time on their hands to create experiences that others can purchase. It's basically a touring and activity company without the company. Anyone can join the site and set up an experience. For instance, the Kan Brothers offer motorcycle tours of San Francisco - which include helmet rental, a drink at a local hot spot, and a city map - for two to four people at $75 per person. In New York City, Kim G. is offering a personalized painting lesson for groups of two to six for a flat rate of $300; the experience includes acrylic paints; canvas board and supplies; studio space; wine, cheese, and crackers; and Kim’s undivided attention. Consider this tip if you're interested in joining Vayable: Browse the site to see what other people in your area are offering. By creating a unique experience that no one else has established, you have a better chance of getting booked.

Read on for more.

Skyfall Teaser: Daniel Craig Is Back Again as Bond

Shannon Vestal — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:38:26 PDT

Ready or not, James Bond is back! The first teaser for Skyfall is here, and while there's only a small bit of dialogue and not a lot of hints about the plot (though a word association game makes it sound like the title "Skyfall" is a mission that Bond has no problem completing), there is enough of star Daniel Craig looking slick and sexy to get me excited about this installment.

The ominous music and images we do see - including a shadowy figure I'm assuming is the villain played by Javier Bardem - make Skyfall seem more intense and high-stakes than the last film, Quantum of Solace. That's good news, since I didn't love that Bond movie. I can't wait to see if this movie is as good as his first outing, Casino Royale, when Skyfall comes out Nov. 9. Watch the teaser and let me know what you think after the break.

What It Takes to Buy a Home

Kiplinger — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:14:47 PDT

Do you have what it takes to buy a home? Consider this exhaustive guide from Kiplinger.

Tired of renting? It could be a great time to buy your first home. In many cities, home prices have bottomed, and rents have risen. Mortgage rates are still superlow. In fact, homes haven't been as affordable since 1971. On the downside, in many cities, buyers have fewer homes from which to choose and more competition for the best houses.

In Austin, TX, newlyweds Mark and Ariane Corcoran bought their first home in March. They were renting in a popular downtown neighborhood, where they paid $1,200 a month for a 500-square-foot loft apartment, when they inherited enough money for a down payment. When they began shopping, they expected to buy a classic 1930s Austin bungalow. They found lots of prospects online but drove by most of them. "Agents are really good at taking photos that exclude what they don't want you to see, like the used-car lot out back," says Mark.

They put in an offer on a $225,000, 800-square-foot home. But after the home inspection, they realized that it needed $20,000 to $30,000 in renovations and repairs and that they'd quickly outgrow it. They walked away during the state-mandated rescission period (during which a buyer can back out for any reason and get back any earnest money deposited).

Ariane identified their next prospect within an hour after the listing appeared online. It was a newly built, 1,600-square-foot home with three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a yard for the dogs. The builder asked $270,000, the couple offered $260,000, he countered, and they paid $268,000. They put down 20 percent to avoid private mortgage insurance and snagged a 30-year fixed rate of 3.75 percent from a credit union. Their monthly mortgage payment is $1,524.

Before you take the plunge, consider the answers to questions often posed by first-time buyers. Read on for what to ask yourself.

Buzz Blabber: Grey's Anatomy Finale Is a Big Upset

Maggie Pehanick — Sun, 20 May 2012 03:05:00 PDT

It looks like we weren't the only ones gabbing about the big entertainment stories this week! Grey's Anatomy ignited quite a response by ending its season with a shocking death. The news is in about all the series cancellations and renewals, and not everyone is pleased. Meanwhile, the Magic Mike stars graced the cover of Entertainment Weekly, but not everyone is feeling the stripper vibe. Check out the most talked-about stories of the week!

Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes shocked viewers

"I was very disappointed with season finale. You figure they'd want the show to be at its best the last two seasons. I don't understand the need to kill off a character that everyone loves when there are so many other other characters that we can do without: April, Teddy, Owen, even Arizona. Fans that have been watching Grey's from the very beginning are very attached to characters that have been around for a while." - Karen2711218
"Lexie was by far the most interesting and complex character on the show. She is portrayed by a talented actor and her scenes were always the most interesting for me to watch. I have to say that her death on the show was shocking and disappointing." - Mauli2713484
"I'm also disappointed by the finale! I kept hoping that it was all Meredith's dream! I really loved Lexie and was hoping her and Mark would finally be together!" - Kpeezy20

To check out what TV cancellations viewers were bummed about, just

Networks broke some hearts with cancellation announcements

"Very bummed that Pan Am, GCB and Ringer were canceled! Can't believe 2 Broke Girls got another season. Finder was really good. Although I like Awake I can see why it didn't have enough viewers to keep the show going. I think it's time for all the CSIs to cancel. How many new ways can they kill a body?" - mdmachlin
"Happy that all my shows are coming back (30 Rock, Smash, Happy Endings, Once Upon a Time) and have to admit, I thought some of the shows on this list were already over, like Private Practice and 90210, and a good chunk had never heard of." - Jesssa
"So unfortunate that some of these shows are canceled. I liked Finder and Awake. I can't believe Whitney was renewed for another season. It's about time CSI: Miami is over!" - letter2elise

Not everyone is on the Magic Mike train

"Give me a break. With the exception of Matt Bomer (really sorry to see him associated with a project like this), these guys are completely interchangeable with so many other so-called actors in the business today. When I spend my hard-earned money on a movie, I want to see good acting and a decent plot, not a bunch of narcissistic body builder clones with no substance." - Janet2373373
"Plot looks ridiculous!! But I will definitely be getting my girlfriends together to go see this . . . wow." - Livvy-P
"OK, I know these guys are pretty yummy, but would people really go to the theater to see this movie? What's the story about?" - chocolate79

Photo courtesy of: ABC

Geek We Love: The MPMan With a Plan

Anna Monette Roberts — Fri, 18 May 2012 03:11:03 PDT

The MPMan was short-lived, but the first MP3 player mass-marketed in the US paved the way for the portable media player revolution. Now that we've gotten to know Kane Kramer, who developed the first MP3 player, and Nathan Schulhof, who created a precursor to iPod and iTunes, it's time to take a look at the history surrounding the MPMan.

Korean electronics company Saehan created and distributed the player in 1998. Michael Robertson, CEO of MP3.com, imported the MPMan into the US and sold it on the MP3.com website. Around the same time, Eiger Labs also imported the player and rebranded it (pictured).

The MPMan came in two versions: the MPMan F10 ($299), which held 32 megabytes, or 35 minutes of music; and the MPMan F20 ($459), which held 64 megabytes, or 90 minutes of music. The player was palm-sized and featured a small LED screen on the front, with the headphone jack and control buttons on top of the device.

Read more about the MPMan after the break.

Geek Grad: How to Land a Web Developer Job

Anna Monette Roberts — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:13:32 PDT

Tech-minded 2012 grads are eager to pursue a job in web or computer programming, named one of the year's top 10 best jobs. We spoke to a web development recruiter for tips on landing that first entry-level job. From the most important coding languages to industry expectations, check out these tips to get closer to your web developing dreams.

Education

Earn the degree: Almost all web developers have some sort of degree in computer science, whether that's an associate's or bachelor's degree. However, it's not necessary to pursue a career in web developing. What is important is becoming proficient in coding languages.
Learn coding languages outside of school: A solid computer science education is important, but mastering the ins and outs of coding requires time outside the classroom to teach yourself more than just the basics.
Develop your passions: Some developers are more visual and prefer front-end engineering (building visible products/creating code that runs in browsers) while others may prefer back-end engineering (writing the code on the server). Develop your skill set according to your interests; it'll get you through future long nights of coding!
Learn the languages: Front-end engineers should know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Back-end engineers are best off with PHP, Python, Ruby, Java, Database Skills, Sql, Drupal, Ruby, Django, Cake PHP, and Spring knowledge.

Click here to read more résumé tips and interview how-tos.

Peek Inside the W Hotel Union Square's Splashy New Redesign

Angela Swinderman Elias — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:00:05 PDT

Located in the historic, turn of the century-crafted Beaux Arts Building, the W Hotel Union Square's redesign merges cutting edge style with old world decadence. The hotel’s 270 guest rooms and the Extreme-WOW and WOW suites, designed by internationally renowned firms d-ash design and Wilson Associates, are the latest additions to the hotel's massive renovations. Other recent changes include the unveiling of W Hotel Union Square's subterranean bar, Lilium, and a renovation of Todd English’s Olives New York restaurant, which will be completed this month. Aside from the awe-inspiring decor, there are plenty of perks related to the hotel's ideal location as well, including direct access to Union Square Park's facilities and one of Manhattan's largest sustainable markets, the Union Square Green Market. If you're considering a trip to the Big Apple, take a look at everything the newly refreshed hotel has to offer!

Whoa, Nellie: US Polo Association Goes Head to Head With Ralph Lauren

Jaime Richards — Tue, 17 May 2011 12:37:15 PDT

Would you be confused by these two logos? On Friday, a New York federal judge seemed to think so, ruling that the US Polo Association (USPA) cannot use a horse-and-rider image, along with the word "polo," when marketing its own fragrances.

The reason? The similarities to Ralph Lauren's Polo fragrance line would cause consumer confusion, not to mention violate the fashion brand's "substantive trademark rights," said Judge Robert Sweet.

As you might imagine, the USPA disagrees with the ruling, especially since a 2006 jury found that the double horseman image, when accompanied by the USPA logo, did not infringe upon the apparel market. So it looks like the USPA will be considering an appeal on this one, particularly because the logo/image dispute has been going on for years between the two organizations. When it comes to fragrances, would you be befuddled by the similar appearances of both brands' logos?

Teach Your Mom Tech: iTunes Store

Anna Monette Roberts — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:57:08 PDT

The iTunes store offers lots of content, but with the separate pages for movies, TV, apps, and books, it can be a pain for a casual user like Mom to navigate. This Mother's Day, help Mom make the most of her digital media with a walk-through of the iTunes Store's most important functions.

Update Mom's iTunes: If Mom's still running on 6.0, the first step is updating the program to its current version. She's less likely to run into bugs, plus she'll have the most current store features.
Teach how to redeem a gift card: Save Mom the future phone call to you by showing her how to redeem an iTunes gift card. Select the "Quick Links" bar on the right hand side of the iTunes Store home page, then "Redeem" to enter the gift card code and begin purchasing. Remind her to take this step any time she wants to use the gift card, otherwise iTunes will automatically charge the credit card associated with the iTunes account.
Test out the search bar: Mom likely knows what she wants to purchase ahead of time, so help her search for items via the search bar on the upper right-hand corner of the title bar. The results aren't always clear, so make sure she's selecting the right items for purchase (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo book rather than the movie).
Explore each option on the navigation bar: Music, movies, TV shows, apps, and books: these are just a few items on the top navigation bar that Mom should explore to see what's new and what's popular.
Dive deep into each section: Each media content page breaks down into series of categories. View the list of categories by holding down the content page name on the navigation bar, or look to the "Quick Links" section on the right-hand side of the page. That way, Mom can search for types of movies, books, and music she prefers.